Good News Story

Cornerstone Hythe

BOYS’ BRIGADE – TWO ANNIVERSARIES CELEBRATED

 

1st Hythe Boys’ Brigade celebrated 60 years of its formation in 2023; “Sure & Steadfast” is the BB motto and that is what they have been. What an achievement!

The Brigade at Hythe was instigated by Revd David Nevard and was formed as a Life Boys Section in April 1963 with David Moody ably assisted by Brenda Moody.  Some years later it became the Boys’ Brigade with David M as Captain. Ron Shewry played a central role in particular leading the Company Section of the older boys assisted by Terry Lane and Harry Brodie. 

David Moody retired as Captain in 1976 with the role passing to Brenda Moody until 1994, certainly one of the first lady Captains in the BB.  Lawrence Tabenor then took on the role for 5 years after which Ron Shewry became Captain in 1999 until 2018. Since then Gill Tabenor has taken on the role of the Officer in Charge.

Many hundreds of boys have passed through BB over the years,  and all benefitting from the activities and friendship of BB but most of all experiencing what it means to be a believer in Jesus Christ and the way we should live and behave.

So we celebrate, applaud and give thanks to God for all that the 1st Hythe BB has stood for and achieved in the lives of young men over the last 60 years.

For several years now BB has been led by Gill Tabenor, Gill being Brenda and David Moody’s daughter who has been involved with BB from birth – she could hardly escape – and has now served in the local BB for 50 years! Wow!

Gills daughter, Rachel Tabenor has been a registered Boys’ Brigade Leader for 16 years – the family tradition continues!

 A social reunion evening was attended by some of the “old boys” and family members of other “old boys”, with lots of old, and more recent, photos and reminisces of past occasions, meeting nights, the band, pantomimes and camp under canvas in various parts of Dorset.

As a church we sincerely wanted to thank Gill for all she has done and continues to do for 1st Hythe BB. Gill was presented with some flowers as a small token of our big thanks and love at a recent Sunday morning parade service.  Thank you so much Gill!